Obituary of John Franklin Midgett

It is with great sorrow that the family of John Franklin Midgett announce his passing on the 27th day of February 2013 at the age of 91 years. John was born in Red Cross, Saskatchewan on October 27, 1921 to John Harvey and Eula Midgett. In the early 40's he went to work packing fish in Buffalo Narrows for Clarke Fisheries from Meadow Lake hauling fish by bombardier. He farmed with his dad in Makwa and during the winter months he freighted fish by cat for Waite Fisheries Limited in Big River. John was the first person to make an overland trip from Buffalo to U City with a bombardier checking for land road location in the 50's. He was a fish buyer in the 50's and 60's for Clarke Fisheries. In 1956 he got his private pilot's license and flew fish out of northern lakes into Buffalo. He formed C&M Airways with Grover Clarke from Meadow Lake based in La Loche. In the early 60's John and Lloyd Rueling purchased land at Lloyd Lake and started a fly-in fishing camp. In 1979, they sold Lloyd Lake camp and in 1980 purchased Crystal Lodge on Cree Lake with Al Maier selling this in 1998. John spent most winters making and maintaining winter roads into Fondulac and Black Lake taking up supplies and fuel to the businesses and transporting fish out to Buffalo Narrows to Waite & Company. John and Lenora retired in Big River in 1985. John enjoyed his coffee trips, a good cribbage game and visiting with his many friends. They have resided at the Lakewood Lodge nursing home for the past 2 years He leaves to cherish his memories: His wife, Lenora, his daughters and step-children: Leola Rattliff of Fairview, AB; Dianne Amboe (Ernest) of Charlie Lake, BC; Jewel (Peter) Moehling of Barrhead, AB; Sandra Dawson of Kelowna, BC; step-son, Leonard (Linda) Peterson of Kissimmee, Florida; step daughter, Melanie (Les) Bueckert of Big River, SK; step-son, Marlen (Judy) Peterson of Battleford, SK. His grandchildren: David Rattliff, Devryn Rattliff, Dianna (Pat) Chartier, John Midgett, Kari (Wes) Sutherland, Donna (Thomas) McDonald, Natasha (Cameron) Campbell, Andrew (Kelly), Vern (Toni) Moehling, Kelsey Dawson, Dane Dawson, Jillian (Jeremy) Batting, Kimberly (Andrew) MacLean, Ian Peterson, Karen (Justin) Lindskog, David Bueckert (Keana Ready), Brittany Bueckert, Randy Clarke, Cassandra (Jeff) Wasilewski, Nickolas Peterson and Etta Peterson. 24 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. His sister, Mary McGehee of Texas, USA He is predeceased by: his first wife, Agnes Petch; his second wife, Rita Nadeau; a son, Lavourn; his sons-in-law, George Rattliff and Arlen Kauffman and his brother-in-law, Richard Waite. The funeral service for John was held on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 at 2:00 pm from the Community Hall in Big River, SK with Pastor Jake McCrea officiating. Organist was Laura Wilson. The eulogy was given by Leola Rattliff and Donna McDonald. The Pallbearers were: Marlen Peterson, Pat Chartier, Ian Peterson and David Bueckert. Honorary Pallbearers were “All relatives and friends who have shared in John’s life.” Memorial Donations in memory of John may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary. Edward Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home of Big River was entrusted with the funeral arrangements 306-469-2277. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. .